Articles
Sunday, February 2, 2020
It was the Brexit election and Labour could not escape this. though there were other factors, the main reason for its defeat was the loss of Leave voting constituencies in Wales and the North and Midlands of England. This was due to the failure to up-hold its promise to respect the outcome of the of the EU referendum in 2016.
Saturday, February 1, 2020
In the North and Midlands of England working class voters deserted Labour as it had deserted them, failing to respect their vote to leave the EU. There was huge anger at this and despite misgivings many deserted the party - not voting or voting for the Brexit Party or even the Tories. There were other problems too, like the blizzard of policy announcements which voters found unconvincing. All of this helped dent Corbyn's personal credibility. Yet Labour continued to do well in cities - it is not finished.
Friday, January 31, 2020
In Scotland, where a majority voted Remain, the SNP managed to pull in much of that vote whilst also getting the support of Leave voting nationalists who value independence more than Brexit. The other parties suffered. Labour lost all the seats it had gained at the previous election, the Tories also lost seats and the Lib Dem leader, Jo Swinson lost her seat.
Thursday, January 30, 2020
In contrast to the rest of England there was little change in London and the South of, however that was still disappointing for Labour which would have hoped to make gains.
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
The issue of Brexit reinforced the sectarian divide in Northern Ireland at this election. It voted Remain, but a majority of those voting to stay in the EU came from the nationalist community, while a majority voting Leave came from the unionist side. Although the two main parties lost votes, the election still polarised the electorate along sectarian lines.
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Wales also voted Leave in the EU referendum. Labour were punished in Leave voting Constituencies here in the same way they were in England and for the same reason - failing to respect the vote to leave the EU in 2016.
Monday, January 27, 2020
Iran has become the number one enemy of the West due to its central role in the growing resistance to its interference in the region. The assassination of General Soleimani by the United States was a dangerously provocative act. The risk of another war has been heightened. As well as Iran other countries are becoming more assertive such as Russia and Turkey.
Sunday, January 26, 2020
In France the Gilets Jaunes protests have been going on for over a year and now there are massive strikes and demonstrations against Macron's pension "reforms". Virtually unreported by the mainstream media in Britain these movements are beginning to collaborate and represent wider demands.